Blue Earth


The Blue Earth routine was created as a very special project initiated by JAG in July of 2017. His idea was to enlist Nia teachers from all over the globe to collaborate via electronic media on a brand new routine. Using mostly Facebook and Dropbox, JAG, in Seattle, worked together with about a dozen teachers from as nearby as Portland, OR and as far away as New Zealand. Together they compiled a playlist and shared choreography ideas over video until, after several months, they co-created a wonderful routine.

The focus of the routine is on The Base and the intent is to bring Stability to our movements by touching the Earth. The routine begins with a strong Feldenkrais energy and then moves into a sultry jazzy Tai Chi feeling. The third song features Graham style Modern Dance and Nia FreeDance while the fourth is strongly rooted in Aikido. The fifth song captures a sparkly Jazz feeling, while the sixth has a very powerful Tae Kwon Do attitude. The seventh song has a lovely Duncan Dance technique flair to it. The eighth song is a great opportunity to practice the Alexander technique and the final song has a relaxing Yoga flavor.

Students are saying that they love the routine and really appreciate all of the opportunities to settle into stability through focusing on the Base: the Lower Extremities. And while the focus on Stability offers an opportunity to self-heal, there is also great opportunity for a good work-out. This routine leaves students with an open, expansive feeling.

Some of the musical artists featured in the routine are Vibrasphere, Sacred Earth, The Spy from Cairo, and dimmSummer.

The main signature move of this routine is the Heel Lead. It is used in many different ways to track stability as we take steps. And a non-impact changing of feet in a Cat Stance teaches us how to quickly replace the foot underneath our body so we never lose stability.

Learning this routine taught me some new movements, such as placing the back of the hand on top of the forehead during the Turn/Return (much more complicated than it sounds) and the quick switching of the feet that we call the Tennessee Walker.

Below is a sample of a flyer and some graphics and copy that you are free to use to create your own flyer announcing JAG's visit.

IMPORTANT: Please do include some mention that River will be present. I do not like anyone to be surprised by the presence of my dog, even though I go to great lengths to make him as invisible and unobtrusive as possible.  Those with allergies and/or phobias would definitely appreciate knowing in advance, and please do inform ALL students with the message on the flyer that River needs to be ignored or he will be upset and bark.

SAMPLE FLYER:
Graphics and Copy:

Experience Jag’s original Nia routine 






JAG is a Second Degree Black Belt Nia teacher who, with his dog, River, in the back seat of his car, travels the USA sharing his talent and passion for Nia, which he has taught since 1996. He has taught in all 48 lower states as well as in Italy and Ireland. JAG’s beloved routine, Blue Earth, was created by collaboration. JAG orchestrated a team of about six Nia teachers from all over the world and using Facebook, they co-created this routine. It is a wonderfully strong and flowing routine that focuses on the power accessed through awareness of our feet touching the earth. The music of Vibrasphere, Sacred Earth, Club de Belugas and more lays down a beautiful sonic landscape, with each song taking on the chemistry and energy of one of the Nine Movement Forms of Nia. This unique multi-teacher-created routine is not available from Nia, so set aside this date with JAG to experience the healing and empowering Blue Earth routine. 
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JAG travels with his dog, River, who sleeps in his crate during class. Please ignore River so he can relax. 

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